Profile of the Day: Bob Dylan

Happy birthday to Bob Dylan! Today the iconic musician turns 80. A gifted songwriter, Dylan is often considered  to be one of the most influential musicians in the world.

Image: Bob Dylan / Library of Congress

Dylan was born Robert Allen Zimmerman on May 24, 1941 in Duluth, Minnesota. When Dylan first began performing in college he took on the name “Bob Dylan” after the poet Dylan Thomas.

During the 1960s, Dylan became known as the voice of an entire generation. He was the songwriter of the 60s protest movement. His music focused on the polarizing social issues of the time and helped to galvanized the civil rights and anti-war movements throughout the country.

In 2016, Dylan was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for “having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition.” He is said to be the first person who is considered to be primarily a musician to win the prestigious award.

What’s your favorite Bob Dylan song?

Explore Bob Dylan’s family tree on Geni and share your connection to the legendary musician!

View Bob Dylan’s Geni Profile